I have done quite a bit of travelling in my time, but not with two kids in tow. Now that I’m a mum of two young boys, travelling is a whole new ball game. It requires both parents to be on the ball. Not only to chase, carry/push kids around the airport but to carry all the extra luggage that goes with travelling with toddlers. And boy is there a lot of it!
We recently had our first trip with two kids, both under two years old and the most important thing I have learnt is that your packing skills need to be on point. We had a lot to consider when packing for our boys. Our eldest child is allergic to several foods and has very sensitive skin which means we needed to pack foods he can eat, medicine, EpiPen’s, creams, nappies and wipes. Our other youngest is a baby under 12 months, so we had a lot to pack for him including, nappies, wipes, nappy cream, special baby sunscreen, swim nappies as well as baby crackers and, of course, the baby food pouches which are actually quite heavy when you have a lot of them.
If you are already freaking out with how you will cope with travelling with young children, do not despair! I’ll give you a rundown on how I packed, what to take and how to make your family holiday one to remember.
One of the most important things to help with your trip, especially with children, no matter if you’re travelling domestic or international is planning. Things to consider are:
Packing a suitcase can be a daunting experience in any situation. Where do you start? With a bit of preparation, packing can be a reasonably stress-free task.
Pack like a Pro. Lay everything out on the floor or bed before you pack with a pile for each per person. Try to create a capsule wardrobe. You may love your blue wedges, but if they only go with one sundress they’re a waste of valuable space. Opt instead for pieces that can be worn with at least 3 other items. This goes for your kid’s wardrobe too. Opting for a rough colour palette (like white, blue and grey) can help with this and also saves time and stress during your holiday.
Make up a medical kit with the essentials such as Panadol, Nurofen for both the kid and adults, bandages, splints, bite cream, betadine wash, cold & flu tablets, hydralyte, gastro stop, thermometer, hydralyte Icey poles for kids, band-aids, saline nasal spray for kids. Trust me, we have used at least one of these items if not all, on the majority of our trips.
Re-check everything! Assess each pile a few times before you pack them into your case and be brutal! if you’re not sure you’ll need something, ditch it. Less is more. Once you’re ready, try to pack in order of the things you will need first. Placing bits like toiletries or the kids pyjamas, at the top of the case. This will save everyone pilling in and pulling things out from the bottom before you’ve had a chance to unpack.
Always weigh your luggage before you head to the airport. Factor in baggage allowance for additional or return flights, your allowance may differ if you have booked with a different airline. Paying for extra luggage or having to repack bags at the airport is annoying in any situation but with kids in tow, it’s a nightmare.
Now you’re all set to go!
I would recommend getting to the airport earlier than usual. With kids, everything takes much longer and you’ll be carrying a lot of extra stuff.
Line up early at the gate so you get priority onto the plane first to get overhead spots as well as not being rushed getting organized and settled into your seats.
Once on the plane set yourself up with things in the seat pocket in front, a few nappies in plastic nappy bags, wipes, tissues, food pouches, small bag of toys or activity things like an iPad. I think the key is to keep little ones entertained, and fed!
Snacks, snacks and more snacks! Now cross your fingers and enjoy, you are on holiday after all!